World Cup 2026: United Nations suggests steps to curb illegal betting | OneFootball

Less than a year before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the United Nations Organization (UN), through the Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), issued a warning that a significant increase in illegal betting linked to the tournament is expected.

According to the organization, these clandestine operations could even surpass in volume and scope regulated betting, creating a scenario of great concern for the integrity of the tournament.

The link between illegal betting and organized crime was one of the most highlighted points during the international workshop held in Mexico. There, the UN emphasized that the lack of control of these networks not only puts fans and state coffers at risk, but also opens the door to the manipulation of sports competitions.

The UNODC also reminded that a significant increase in legal betting is expected. As a reference, the 2022 Qatar World Cup recorded a movement close to 35 billion dollars in this area.

By 2026, with a tournament featuring 48 teams and matches spread across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the figures could far exceed that number.

“The 2026 World Cup represents a crucial opportunity to strengthen prevention and investigation measures, not only for the tournament, but also as a catalyst for improving sports integrity throughout the region,” specialists expressed at the workshop.

In addition to the UN, key organizations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the FIFA participated in the initiative. This aims to align criteria, share previous experiences, and outline protocols that allow for the detection of irregularities in real time, with the cooperation of sports federations, security forces, and judicial authorities from the host countries.

In this way, it will be sought that the 2026 World Cup is not tarnished by the growing illegal betting that has shown to affect the sport, and thus be able to provide an unforgettable spectacle.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.